environment

The perfect cup of coffee, sun shining on my face, or nailing that pose in yoga!…..

The secret of Happiness is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy Less. (Socrates)

Looking back I have always been a minimalist. It’s not something I work at or find hard to maintain. I have always chosen to surround myself with people and possessions that “feel good” to me- it’s always been quality over quantity.

Subtracting and adding as I meander through life. I know subtracting people from your life may sound harsh, but I do believe that some people are meant to be in your life always, some for a short time and others are just for a certain period in your life. Relationships should be based on common interests, humor, moral character, like mindedness, and those are things that tend to evolve as we grow. I have always chosen to fill my surroundings much in the same way, with things that have a person meaning, memories or that bring me happiness when I look at them. I have never cared about brand names, or having something just to say I have it. I prefer cozy over commercial. I prefer the natural, pretty and subtle. I prefer to spend time with a person who has great stories to tell over great possessions to show.

In keeping my life simplistic and minimal, along with following these healthy habits, (most days) are lived intentionally.

Yoga practice– at least 4 x a week.

Enjoy nature– hiking, fresh air, sunshine, exercise, nature journal entries, enjoying the seasons- all good for the body and soul!

Taking time for myself– quiet cup of coffee or taking time to paint, taking a walk. Some days all I need is 5 minutes, other days a couple hours would be great!

Balanced diet– If one day is filled with quick meals and a dinner party, I make sure the next is filled with fruits, veggies and water.

Don’t Compare – I try not to compare myself to others at all. Every single person is different, and that’s a good thing! I look to others for inspiration.

Lemon Water– simple, yet so beneficial and effective! It is the only thing I drink everyday all day.

Reading– curling up with a good book- whether it be for educational purposes or personal enjoyment. I read frequently and try to stay off social media for blocks of time.

Routine– though not set by a clock , I tend to eat and sleep at about the time each day. I have found a natural rhythm to my days and tend to stick with it. As much as I get sick of routine, I also count on it….if that makes any sense!?

Minimalist– keep it simple in all areas- less to worry about, less to clean, less to stay organized, less errands – essentially equals less work/more play!

Family/Friends– being present and making personal connections and having meaningful conversations; play a key role in food for the heart, mind and soul.

This morning we started with an alphabet rhyme from A to Z. I saw it in a movie or a show a few days ago (though I can not remember where exactly) and thought it would be a fun way to start the day. We sat in a circle and went around alphabetically completing the phrase- goes something like this:

Allie went to Alaska with Apples-Bob went to the Bahamas with Brussel sprouts, all the way to -Zander went to Zimbabwe with Zebras!

Some letters were pretty hard! 🙂

We then listened to an audio book about a Dragon, a story called Dragon Rider . Dragons must find refuge as the humans are planning to destroy their valley, on his journey he meets a boy named Ben and they become a team!

Liam then went on to finish the last two chapters in his podcast he’s been listening to. He really enjoyed it and learned a lot of science and history along the way. Luke and I worked on the “ap” family on Reading Eggs, then math in a workbook about Space, which then led to him drawing up his own constellation! -A platypus constellation named “John, the platypus.”

This morning I set out an entire table with some hands on math activities, so they did some work with the geo-board, fractions and multiplication activities.

We have used the Waldorf style multiplication circles before and reintroduced them to Luke who was very young the last time they were out. It is a great skip counting way to practice the multiplication facts. Liam went through each one and showed him and refreshed his memory as well. For Luke’s reference I also had the facts written out in flowers and the completed stars laid out on the table.

The boys also read a short multiplication “M” poem out of our LMNOP book and watched some birds out back for a bit, then they made their lunch and listened to an American History Story about the start of the revolutionary war based on how taxes currently work in our society.

And, that wraps up our morning, I’m sure there will be some Minecraft played this afternoon as it has made a big come back in this house!

Earlier this past winter we looked into different organizations to find one we could get involved with. I knew of Heifer Internation and love what they are all about-ending poverty, hunger and caring for the earth! So, upon researching their site I discovered they offer a free curriculum kit. Yes, it’s totally free!! I will also say it was much more than I had expected. This is a great global resource that involves many activities and class subjects.

We decided we could get involved by raising money through a fundraiser and in turn purchase a living gift for families in need. We set forth on creating a cookbook to sell with the help and support of our family and friends who donated their favorite recipes to add to our book. My son helped to design the cookbook, gave it it’s title “All friends Cookbook”, made a flyer and then began to spread the word! Again, with much support from family, friends and co-workers it was a success. We were able to purchase more than a few animal gifts!

Yesterday we took a trip to experience hands-on at the Learning Center at Overlook Farm. We saw animals and took a walk through a global village-Amazing time! Here are the photos from our trip!